MIAMI LAKES, Florida, April 13, 2016 – At the April Council Meeting, several community members were recognized for their accomplishments and community support.

Amongst the honorees were the young winners of the “I Can Make a Difference” Main Street Banner Art Contest. “The Banner display on Main Street gives the children an opportunity to show off their art work. It's importantfor the community to honor our children's accomplishments” said Councilman Rodriguez.

Brian Rodriguez, senior at Monsignor Edward Pace High School, was commended for his exemplary efforts in promoting civic engagement among youth of all ages in Miami Lakes. He was the recipient of the National PTA Youth Advocacy of the Year Award demonstrating the positive impact, his creativity, leadership, and dedication has had in our community. "Miami Lakes is very proud of Brian Rodriguez," stated Councilman Manny Cid. "Receiving the national PTSA Advocacy of the Year award is just the beginning of a great career in public service ahead for Brian Rodriguez” he added.

The members of the Charter Revision Commission were also recognized for their commitment to the Town of Miami Lakes, as they were charged with the task of carefully reviewing the Town Charter, outlining respective findings, and making recommendations to amend accordingly. "As part of this group of involved residents I was able to experience firsthand the dedication, commitment, and care of all of these members. They worked extremely hard and dedicated many-many hours in trying to make our town a better place” said Councilman Mestre.

Councilman Mestre also acknowledged the 7th grade students of the Bobcat Law Society Program at Bob Graham Education Center, congratulating them for their recent Project Citizen first place regional victory. The students will be representing the Town at the Project Citizen Capitol Showcase with their “Just a Heart Beat Away” class policy, geared to create awareness of the importance of EKG screenings and saving lives. "It's really amazing to see how this group has taken a local tragedy, the untimely passing of a friend and classmate Breanna Vergara, and turned it into a positive effort to save lives, creating a cohesive effort supported by so many of our community leaders. Their efforts and hard work have made us so proud" highlighted Mestre.

The Town kicked off its participation for Light It Up Blue World Autism Awareness Day on April 5 with special recognitions presented to Mrs. Mariaelena Alvarez from Hope for Autism, Mr. Oscar Amuz from Hope for Autism Soccer, and Dr. Michael Alessandri from the Miami Lakes branch of the University of Miami–Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. The Mayor and Town Council, Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Town Attorney all wore blue on he dais to show their support.

Mayor Michael Pizzi also issued a proclamation naming April Autism Awareness Month. “I am proud that myself, the Vice Mayor and Town Council are united in our efforts to bring awareness and optimism to the families that have members with autism. It is important to show these families that they are not alone. We gladly recognize all of our community partners who are supporting families, including Hope for Autism Community Team, UM/NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and Autism Soccer,” said Mayor Pizzi. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Miami Lakes Town Hall has been lit up blue throughout the month of April.